What’s a Playlist?
A Playlist is a set of activities exploring a topic. The activities might include reading an article or scripture, listening to a podcast or sermon, watching a video or movie clip. Each month we’ll post three Playlists designed for Children, Youth, and Adults. All of us will explore the same topic, but the Playlists will be designed for each age group. You can work your way through the Playlists at your own pace throughout the month.
Remember you can always share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this page.
May Playlist
Lead
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
5/1/25
Introduction
When I think of the word lead, I think of the game Follow the Leader. One person chooses a motion or a way to lead the group, and the rest repeat or follow it. But there are lots of ways to lead . . . you can lead quietly through acts of service and kindness. When you help others, there can be a ripple effect where that kindness continues. What makes a good leader? Well, if
we think of Jesus, he was kind and loving. He loved everyone and helped the lonely and the sick. He told stories and asked people to follow him. He led by his good example. All of us can be leaders no matter our size or situation. Some might say good leaders make a difference and empower others, they are open minded and listen to others, and they are responsible and honest. Who is someone you know that has been a good leader? As you wonder about that, have fun exploring the playlist below.
PS – VBS is a place where we need lots of great leaders! Hope you can join us this summer!
Listen
You can’t help but clap along to this song!
“Lead a Life of Love”
Get your air guitars and drums ready for this one!
“Lead on Good Shephard”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Psalm 31:3
Proverbs 4:11
Psalm 143:10
Psalm 25:5
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
Saving Delicia by Laura Gehl
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the theme “Lead”
Lead in Saving Delicia
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the theme “Lead”
Lead in Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed
Watch
What Makes an Awesome Leader? With Kid President
How To Be a Good Leader with Ms. Tab
Did you know some of your favorite Disney movies have good examples of leadership? Parents, read this article on how to connect some of these films or scenes to the theme this month. You can even watch the scenes and discuss as a family.
Leadership in Disney Films
Do
Play Follow the Leader with your family. Take turns being the leader. What do you like about leading? What is hard about leading?
The Listener Game: You can play this with your family or get some friends together. Good leaders are good listeners. How well can you listen? One person the group is to be designated The Listener. Stress the importance of this role heavily so they begin to understand what will be expected of them as a leader. Their job is to listen to the other person talk about themselves and take notes. The kid who is talking should be encouraged to talk about basic information such as where they are from, age, favorite activities, etc. It is up to “The Listener” to listen carefully and jot down this information. Once they’ve finished, it’s your job to quiz “The Listener” on the information they found out about their partner. The more they listened, the more
information they will have. After they’ve finished, have them swap around and have the talker become The Listener.
Make a bucket list or dream collage: Goal setting activities can help you learn about motivation, perseverance, and a sense of achievement. You can be a leader in your own life! So why not make a bucket list of things you want to achieve. Or make a dream collage and day by day, step by step work towards your goals. It won’t happen overnight, but a good leader is dedicated and determined and celebrates even small achievements. You’ve got this!
Pray
Lord, inspire and guide us to be leaders, to step forward and teach others how to lead and love others in Your name. Strengthen and equip us to show Your love to everyone in our communities. Help us to lead like you Lord.
Amen.
March & April Playlist
Lent
Everything in Between
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
3/1/25
Introduction
Over this Lenten Season we will be traveling through the Gospel of Luke. Many of these stories will sound familiar . . . The Good Samaritan, Mary and Martha, the fruitless fig tree, the Lost Sheep, Zaccheus, and more. Lent is a time of waiting and what better way to spend your time waiting, then by exploring the things below. Lent helps us get ready for Easter, which is the happiest day of the year! Easter is when we celebrate how Jesus came back to life and showed us that love is stronger than anything, even death. Until then, let’s look at everything between now and Easter. Have fun!
Listen
This is a beautiful song sung by kids!
“Risen for Me”
Clap your hands and let’s celebrate!
“Jesus is Alive”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Luke 10:25-37
Luke 15:1-7
Luke 19:29-40
Luke 22:1-27
Luke 24:1-12
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
Love Your Neighbor by Melody Carlson
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to our Lent theme:
Lent theme in Love Your Neighbor
Peace Baby! by Linda Ashman
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book to our Lent theme:
Lent theme in Peace, Baby!
Watch
The Story of Palm Sunday
The Story of Easter
Do
(These ideas are from our Sanctified Art curriculum)
Finger labyrinths: Print out the included labyrinth pattern from this Labyrinth Link. Then use your finger to trace the labyrinth. You can clear your thoughts and just focus on the pattern as you breathe in and out or you can think about or pray while you trace. You can ask God for help with things or send up prayers while your finger goes in to the center and then thank God for blessings as your finger goes out. There is no right or wrong to it. Just have fun exploring.
Labyrinth Link
Contemplative music: Play some soft music, such as our Everything In Between Spotify playlist. Draw or paint what you hear as you listen.
Everything in Between Spotify Playlist
Grow, Slow, Rest
Materials: masking tape (optional).
In this version of Red Light, Green Light, children will pretend they are like a fig tree going through cycles of growth and rest. Have all children line up at a starting line. They will race toward a goal, such as the end of a hall, a tape line on the floor, or an adult leader. When an adult leader calls out, “Grow!” children can go as fast as they can toward the goal. When the leader calls out, “Slow!” children must move in slow motion. When the leader calls out, “Rest!” children must freeze until “Grow!” or “Slow!” is called out. If children move during a
Rest period, or if an adult decides they’re moving too fast during a Slow period, they are out. The first child to reach the goal wins.
Hide-and-Go-Sheep
Materials: printed copy of Psalm 23 (optional)
Play a version of Hide-and-Go-Seek. Children will take turns being the Shepherd while the rest play the Sheep. Each round, the Shepherd closes their eyes and recites Psalm 23 or the Lord’s Prayer while the Sheep go hide. (Note: An adult volunteer can also read the included paraphrase of Psalm 23 while the Shepherd closes their eyes.) When the prayer or psalm is over, the Shepherd goes to look for the Sheep until they are all found.
Create instruments to play in a parade for Jesus! Here are some simple percussion instruments children can make and decorate:
- Paper plate tambourines: Place dried beans and/or rice on a paper plate. Place
another paper plate on top, upside down, and staple the edges together. Seal
the edges with masking tape all the way around, adding crepe paper streamers if
desired. - Paper tube rain sticks: Trace the ends of a paper tube onto construction paper
and cut along the lines to make two circles. Tape one circle onto one end of the
paper tube. Fill the tube with dried rice and/or beans, then tape the other paper
circle onto the open end of the tube. - Shaker eggs: Fill a plastic Easter egg with dried beans and/or rice and close it. Add
tape around the seam to keep the egg securely closed.
Pray
Dear God, thank you for giving us hope when it feels like everything is going wrong. Help us to be gentle with ourselves, no matter what we’re feeling, and to be there for others when they need us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
February Playlist
Wisdom
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
2/1/25
Introduction
What do you think of when you hear the word wisdom? Who is someone you think is wise? Wisdom is knowing what’s right and doing it . . . like following the rules, thinking carefully before making a decision, and making good choices that help others, even when it’s not the easiest thing to do; it’s about using your brain to make smart decisions and learning from your mistakes. God is all knowing and very wise. We can listen to him and his words in the Bible and try to follow them and help others. Here are some ways you can explore the theme “Wisdom.”
Listen
This is a song I hadn’t heard before, but I like it!
“Words of Wisdom”
This song made me laugh at first . . . it’s obviously not the girl’s voice singing, but she helps us learn the moves.
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Proverbs 2:6
James `1:5
James 3:17
Colossians 4:5-6
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom, and Wishes by Susan V. Bosak
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the “Wisdom” theme:
Wisdom in Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom, and Wishes
The Empty Pot by Demi
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the “Wisdom” theme:
Watch
Owls have been symbols of wisdom. Here is a quick video packed with cool facts about owls! Tell your family one fact you learned.
Douglas is back! This time he’s talking about Godly wisdom.
Do
Wisdom can come from following God’s instructions. Play a simple game like “Simon Says” or
“Follow the Leader” to practice following directions.
Making wise choices can be like following traffic safety laws. Play “Red Light, Green Light” to
recognize this.
Sometimes decisions are simple and spur of the moment . . . have a “Rock, Paper, Scissors”
tournament with your family and friends going up against one another to compete.
Solid foundations . . . wisdom is needed to have a solid basis for what we do. Experiment with
building Lego or block towers on various surfaces (hard table, lumpy pillow, etc.). Discuss the best solid foundations we have.
When I think of the word “Wisdom,” I often think of my grandparents. They have lived a full life
and have some great stories, advice, and wisdom to share. Call up or meet up with a grandparent or older person in our church and ask them some questions.
1. What is the best piece of advice you were given?
2. What is your favorite quote?
3. What is your favorite Bible verse?
4. What do you think is the best part of growing up?
5. What makes you happy?
6. What makes someone wise?
Add any other questions you can think of. I’d love to hear about your interview. Add it in the comments below or email it to me!
Pray
“Good Morning, Jesus”
Jesus, you are good and wise
I will praise you when I rise.
Jesus, hear this prayer I send
Bless my family and my friends.
Jesus, help my eyes to see
All the good you send to me.
Jesus, help my ears to hear
Calls for help from far and near.
Jesus, help my feet to go
In the way that You will show.
Jesus, help my hands to do
All things loving, kind, and true.
Jesus, guard me through this day
In all I do and all I say.
Amen.
— Author Unknown
January Playlist
Epiphany
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
1/1/25
Introduction
Epiphany is a special day in the church calendar when we celebrate the story of the wise men (Magi) visiting baby Jesus. What does “Epiphany” mean? It’s a big word that means “showing” or “revealing.” On Epiphany, we celebrate that Jesus was revealed to the world as the Son of God. The wise men traveled a long way, following a bright star to find Jesus. They brought special gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men were from faraway lands, showing that Jesus came for all people, no matter where they were from. Have you ever followed directions or used a map? The wise men used the star as their guide, just like we follow Jesus to guide our lives. Have fun exploring Epiphany below.
Listen
Here’s a song that is easy to learn. Sing along!
This is a beautiful song you can listen to and think about.
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Matthew 2:10
Isaiah 60:1
Psalm 147
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
The Last Straw by Fredrick H. Thury
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the “Epiphany” theme:
Small Camel Follows the Star by Rachel W. N. Brown
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the “Epiphany” theme:
Epiphany in Small Camel Follows the Star
Watch
The Three Kings Rhyme: You can make your own kings and do this one at home!
What is Epiphany? This video will explain!
Have you seen this movie? Looks like a fun one to watch as a family for Epiphany. It’s available to stream on Amazon Prime or you can pay to download it here if you are interested.
Do
Here are some fun Epiphany stick puppets you can print and make at home.
You can download and color your own Epiphany Star using the link below.
Here is an Epiphany game you can print and play at home.
Here are some more ideas of crafts you can do for Epiphany . . . I love the stained glass star! Send me a picture if you make one!
Pray
In this season of Epiphany, we are thankful for the gift God gave us, his Son, Jesus. We are also thankful for the gifts we received and were able to give to others this holiday season. We ask that in the days ahead, we remember others and continue the spirit of giving all year long. Amen.
December Playlist
Beginning
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
12/1/24
Introduction
Happy Advent Season! This month our theme is Beginning. During this time, we are waiting for the arrival of Jesus . . . and what a great BEGINNING that is! The birth of Jesus and all the hope that it brings is a beautiful beginning. Another beginning that is amazing in the Bible is when God created the world . . . “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Thank you, God, for being the beginning and all you created! And thank you, God, for each new day that is a beginning! Have fun exploring the theme below.
Listen
This song has a catchy tune!
“In the Beginning”
You all know this one . . . so sing a long!
“Away in a Manger”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Luke 2:1-20
John 1:1
Genesis 1:1-2
1 John 3:11
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the “Beginning” theme:
Beginning in Boxes for Katje
Who is Coming to our House? by Joseph Slate
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the “Beginning” theme and Advent:
Beginning in Who is Coming to our House?
Watch
How God Made Everything!
The Christmas Story
Do
Advent Calendar: We will be passing these out at Education, but you can also print one from this link. Follow the instructions to color a shape for each day on your quilt square.
Advent Calendar
Nativity Craft: Jesus’s birth is an important beginning! Here is a fun craft you can make as a family.
Nativity Craft
Craft Ideas: You could have a Family Advent craft night and invite friends! Here are some simple, but fun craft ideas.
Craft Ideas
Pray
Each day is a fresh start, a new beginning. Here is a morning prayer you can say each morning.
Dear God,
Thank you for this new day. Please keep me safe and help me make good choices. Be with me in everything I do and help me to be brave and kind. Thank you for your love. Amen
November Playlist
Believe
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
11/1/24
Introduction
Have you ever heard the saying “Seeing is Believing”? Sometimes we feel like we need proof to believe in things that seem impossible . . . a magic trick, a dust devil that seems to come out of nowhere, a flower growing up where there is no soil. But there are things that exist or happen that we can’t explain, and yet, we still believe without seeing. Air for instance! I can’t see the air I breathe, but I am breathing it in and out. Having faith sometimes involves trusting without seeing. I can’t see God, but God is there, and I believe in God. Something amazing about God is God believes in us! Sometimes more than we believe in ourselves. Self confidence and believing in ourselves is sometimes difficult, but I want you to remember that God ALWAYS believes in you, so you should too! Have fun exploring the theme “Believe” below.
Listen
Get ready to rock . . . “We Can Trust and Believe”
“Faith”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Hebrews 11:6
John 6:29
John 12:46
John 3:16-17
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct by Mo Willems
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the “Believe” theme:
Believe in Edwina
We Believe in You by Beth Ferry
Watch
God believes in you, and so do we! Watch Elmo and Ray Charles share a song about believing in yourself.
Here is a quick mediation for kids to help you believe in yourself.
Do
Here is something you can try with a dollar bill and two paper clips. It’s kind of like a magic trick, but there are connections to doubting Thomas and believing in God.
Here is a John 3:16 folded puzzle you can print out and try.
This is another fun activity you can try at home. Can you believe you can turn a circle into a square?
Pray
Dear God, thank you that you can do amazing, impossible things that we could never do by ourselves. When we are sad, afraid, worried or hopeless, help us to believe that you are with us and can help us, even if we can’t see you with our own eyes. Thank you for believing in us, and help us to believe in ourselves and each other. Amen.
October Playlist
Belong
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
10/1/24
Introduction
God made us each unique. As we meet people, we might find things we have in common or similar. We might both like pizza or both have a sister or both live in the same city. There are also ways we will be different. We might like different colors, play different sports, and have different eye colors. But no matter how we are alike or different . . . we all BELONG. There are lots of ways we belong. We belong to God. We are all God’s children. We belong to our community. We belong to our school. We belong to a family. I’m so thankful you are a part of our church family. Have some fun exploring the theme “Belong” below. Spend some time this month thinking of ways you can help to make sure others feel that they belong!
Listen
This song has cute animations and a great message!
“I Belong”
Get ready to jump up and move with this song!
“Belong”
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Romans 1:6
1 Corinthians 3:23
Matthew 19
Psalm 24:1
If you have the following book at home or can get it from the library, then you can read it. If not, you can read/listen to it using the link below.
Goodbye Curtis by Kevin Henkes
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the Belong theme:
Belong in Goodbye Curtis
Watch
Here is a children’s message about Belonging.
Here’s a great video made by kids. YOU BELONG!
Do
Finding Your Twin: You can print off the attached paper and see if you can find people in your family, your friends, people at church and at school that have the same things as you that are listed on the page. It is fun to see how many things we share with others. We are alike and we are different, but we all belong.
We Are Connected Chain: Watch this video on how to create a paper people chain. This chain reminds me of our church family. We are all connected and care for each other!
I Am A Child Of God: You can print out the page linked here and design your own crown. We are all children of God, and we all belong to God.
I Am A Child Of God Coloring Page
Pray
Dear God, thank you for choosing us and not leaving us out. Thank you for making us special and for allowing us to belong to you. Please help us to include others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September Playlist
Worship
Shannon Fossett, Director of Children’s Ministries
9/1/24
Introduction
First of all, we love having you in worship! All are welcome, and we love it when we get to see you! But during church worship is not the only time we can worship God. It can be done anytime from anywhere! Worship is a way to show God that you know who he is and what he has done. Worship can include thanks and gratitude for what He has done and faith in what He will do. There are lots of ways you can worship God…some ways include singing, doing acts of service, listening, and praying. Have fun exploring the theme “Worship” below.
Listen
Shout out your praise with this song “House of the Lord”
Get up and dance to this song! There are so many ways to praise and worship God!
Read
Open the Bible and read:
Psalm 95:6
Psalm 150:6
Luke 4:8
1 Chronicles 16:29
If you have the following books at home or can get them from the library, then you can read them. If not, you can read/listen to them using the links below.
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
*Parents, here are some notes on how to connect this book with the Worship theme:
Worship in Library Lion
Thank You God for Everything by August Gold
Watch
Here is a story that talks about Worship. It’s great for the whole family and could create a good dinner conversation:
Do
Write a worship song! We sing lots of songs in worship and Sunday School. Now you get a chance to be creative and write your own.
Use the questions below to help guide you to write a few lines of a worship song or praise to God. You can write and decorate your song, and I’d love for you to share it with your family and with me!
If you were to write a worship song, what would it say?
What are things you love about God?
What are things you are thankful to God about?
What do you want others to know about God?
Make your own tambourine so you can praise and worship God from your living room or backyard.
Play a game of 20 questions with a grateful twist. Driving is a great time to play this game or when you have a few minutes waiting for something. You could say, “I’m thinking of something I’m thankful to God for. Can you guess what it is in 20 questions?” The first question could be “Is it an attribute of God, a thing, or a circumstance?” Continue the game each time you get in the car until everyone has had a turn.
Pray
Dear God, I praise you because You are my God. You made me and take care of me. You are loving, and you hear my prayers. Amen.
Desert Cross Faith Formation 